The Rising Threat of Lyme Disease in Macomb County…

and the Emergence of the Asian Longhorned Tick

Ticks are most often found in wooded areas and in tall grass. The Blacklegged (deer ticks) variety can carry Lyme Disease.

As summer unfolds in Macomb County, Michigan, residents are hitting the trails, parks, and backyards to enjoy the warm weather. But with the joys of outdoor activities comes a growing concern: Lyme disease. The Macomb County Health Department has reported a steady rise in Lyme disease cases over the past decade, with numbers climbing from just 3 cases in 2016 to 15 in 2023. This increase, coupled with the recent discovery of the Asian longhorned tick (ALHT) in Michigan, signals a need for heightened awareness and proactive prevention. Let’s dive into what this means for our community and how you can stay safe.

Lyme Disease on the Rise in Macomb County

Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and transmitted through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks (also known as deer ticks), is becoming a significant public health issue in Michigan. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the state saw a surge in cases from 424 in 2019 to a provisional high of 1,146 in 2023. In Macomb County alone, 11 of the 546 statewide cases in 2022 were reported, reflecting a growing local risk. The 2024 Michigan Lyme Disease Risk Map indicates that 81 of Michigan’s 83 counties, including Macomb, have a known or potential risk for Lyme disease.Why the increase? Recent milder winters and longer warm seasons have created ideal conditions for blacklegged ticks to thrive. These ticks, once rare in eastern Michigan, are now established in Macomb County, with surveillance efforts confirming the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi in ticks collected locally in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Ticks are most active from April to September, lurking in wooded areas, grassy fields, and even your backyard. They often attach to hard-to-see spots like the scalp, armpits, or groin, requiring attachment for 36-48 hours to transmit Lyme disease.

Medical Implications of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease symptoms typically appear 3-30 days after a tick bite, including fever, headache, fatigue, and, in 70-80% of cases, a characteristic “bull’s-eye” rash (erythema migrans). If caught early, Lyme disease is treatable with antibiotics, often resolving within 2-4 weeks. However, if left untreated, it can lead to severe complications, including joint pain, arthritis, heart issues (Lyme carditis), and neurological problems like facial paralysis or meningitis. In Macomb County, where outdoor recreation is a way of life, early detection and prompt tick removal are critical to preventing these outcomes.

The Asian Longhorned Tick: A New Concern

In June 2025, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) confirmed the presence of the Asian longhorned tick (ALHT) at Grand Mere State Park in Berrien County—the first detection of this species in Michigan. Unlike blacklegged ticks, ALHTs are not known to transmit Lyme disease. However, lab studies suggest they may carry other pathogens, such as those causing Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Heartland virus, and Powassan virus, which can lead to fever, headache, and, in severe cases, neurological issues or organ failure. The ALHT’s impact on cattle is particularly concerning, as it can transmit Theileria orientalis, causing bovine theileriosis, a potentially fatal disease. ALHTs are light brown, sesame-seed-sized ticks (or pea-sized when engorged) that can reproduce without mating, with females laying up to 2,000 eggs at a time. This rapid reproduction raises concerns about their potential to spread across Michigan, including to Macomb County. While no ALHTs have been reported in Macomb yet, their presence in Berrien County underscores the need for vigilance, especially for pet owners and livestock farmers.

Protecting Yourself and Your Family

The good news? You can take simple steps to reduce your risk of tick-borne illnesses:

• Avoid Tick Hotspots: Stick to the center of trails to avoid brushy, wooded areas where ticks thrive.
• Use Repellents: Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and treat clothing with 0.5% permethrin.
• Perform Tick Checks: After outdoor activities, check yourself, kids, and pets thoroughly, focusing on hidden areas like the scalp, behind ears, and underarms. Shower within two hours to wash off unattached ticks.
• Remove Ticks Safely: If you find a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it close to the skin and pull straight out with slow, steady pressure. The tick will try to stay attached but cannot hold on for more than a couple of minutes of steady tension. Avoid ripping, forceful removal attempts as the pincers can remain in your skin. Never try to burn the tick off or pour toxic agents on your skin, as many have in the past, and suffered undue trauma to the area. After removal, place the tick in a clear, plastic bag or jar and clean the bite area with Peroxide and/or soap and water and apply Bacitracin ointment.
• See a doctor: If you suspect a black-legged (deer tick), if it has been on your body for over 24 hours or you’re just not sure, or if you’ve sustained skin trauma or signs of local infection from the bite, come to Village Health Urgent and Family Care at 12150 30 Mile Rd., Washington, MI 48095, where you can be treated by a board-certified emergency physician with years of experience treating tick bites and tick-borne illness. If you’ve already removed the tick, be sure to bring it in — alive or dead — for analysis because this can help the doctor determine the need for antibiotics or other measures.
• Protect Pets: Consult your veterinarian about tick prevention products for dogs and cats, who can bring ticks into your home.

If you find an unusual tick, submit a photo to MDHHS for identification (visit Michigan.gov/Lyme for details). Early action can prevent serious health issues.

Staying Safe in Macomb County

As Lyme disease cases rise and new tick species like the ALHT emerge, Macomb County residents must stay informed and proactive. The Macomb County Health Department continues to monitor tick populations and encourages community members to report sightings and take precautions. By adopting simple habits—like tick checks and using repellents—you can enjoy Michigan’s beautiful outdoors while keeping your family safe.For more information, visit the Macomb County Health Department at macombgov.org or MDHHS at Michigan.gov/Lyme. Let’s work together to fight the bite and keep our community healthy!

FAQ:

1. Can the new Asian Long Horn Tick transmit or spread Lyme Disease?

Answer: No. the ALHT has not been found to carry the bacteria responsible for causing Lyme Disease.

2. How common is Lyme Disease in Macomb County?

Answer: It is still rare considering the thousands of tick bites each year, but the numbers have tripled in Michigan since 2020, with likely dozens of cases in Macomb this year alone, although the County numbers are not yet posted.

Call or visit Village Health Urgent and Family Care if you have questions or need treatment! Our number is (586) 752-7256. Contact Us – Healthcare Service Contact – My Village Health Here is our Resources page for further preventive care: Resources – Wellness Information – My Village Health